Boise City regulates specific types of businesses to maintain the health, safety and general welfare of the public. The following is a list of frequently asked questions related to the business process.
Private Security Service and Alarm Installation Service Companies
Your license expires on March 31, 2013. To download the application please click here. Any application that does not contain the following information will not be accepted, and will be sent back to you. This could cause a delay in getting your license. You MUST submit the following items with this application:
- A new copy of your $10,000 Bond running to the City of Boise
- A new copy of your $500,000 Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Boise as additional Insured
- Owner/Applicant Fingerprint Cards if out of area. Fingerprints will be taken in the office for local applicants.
Please mail the application and documents to:
City Clerk's Office
P.O. Box 500
Boise, ID 83701
or deliver in person at
City Clerk's Office
150 N Capitol Blvd
Boise, ID 83702
What is a business license and why do I need one?
A business license grants you permission to engage in a regulated business activity within the City of Boise. If you engage in any of the business activities regulation by the City of Boise, you are required to maintain a valid unexpired business license. Find your business license type within the table below and double click on the code section to view requirements. If you have further questions, please call (208) 384-3710.
Taxi Vehicle Suspension List
| Please call the City Clerk's Office at (208) 384-3710 to obtain application, verify fees and requirements |
| License Type |
Code |
License Type |
Code |
| Alcohol Beverage/Liquor Catering Permit |
5-05 |
Auctions and Auctioneers |
5-30 |
| Commercial Vehicle and Commercial Driver License |
5-03 |
Dance Halls |
5-11 |
| Child Care Facility |
5-33 |
Child Care Worker |
5-33 |
| Eating and Drinking |
8-05 |
Fireworks Stands |
7-01 |
| Going Out of Business/Business Moving Sale |
5-01 |
Massage Establishment |
5-35 |
| Massage Therapist |
5-35 |
Pawnbroker |
5-16 |
| Patrol Service |
5-19 |
Alarm Service |
5-19 |
| Patrol Agent |
5-19 |
Alarm Installer |
5-19 |
| Temporary Merchant |
5-12 |
Vendor or Solicitor |
5-12 |
| Taxicab Driver |
5-24 |
Taxicab Vehicle Business |
5-24 |
| Vehicle Escort |
5-28 |
Vehicle Escort Business |
5-28 |
| Escort Service and Escort |
5-36 |
Sidewalk Cafe |
5-06 |
| Vehicle Immobilization or Car Booting |
5-04 |
Non-Consent Towing |
10-23 |
| Special Event |
5-10 |
Non-Consent Towing Inspection Form |
10-23 |
| Non-Commercial Kennel |
6-07 |
Precious Metal Dealers |
5-20 |
| Assembly Permit (over 50 occupancy) |
7-01 |
Jewelry Auctions |
5-17 |
| Solid Waste |
8-10 |
|
|
Important Note: All commercial business licenses must be reviewed for zoning compliance, building compliance and fire safety code compliance. If your business is involved in the preparation of food, you must also be in compliance with health codes administered by the Central District Health Department.
Why does the City license certain businesses?
Businesses are licensed to ensure:
- the business location is property zoned for the activity to be conducted;
- the building or temporary structure the business will be operating in meets fire safety and building codes;
- all state and local codes are adhered to, insuring the safety and well being of our residents;
- businesses are properly regulated.
The revenue from the license fee collection goes into the City's general fund to pay for the cost of licensing and regulation.
How long does it take to receive a business license?
Most business licenses in the city can be issued within 30 days assuming the application has all the required license prerequisites.
Important Note: You may be required to purchase a bond and/or insurance from an insurance company; DOT Physical, etc., this must be done prior to submitting your application for processing.
Where do I go to get a business license?
You can pick up applications at the City Clerk's office on the first floor of City Hall, 150 North Capital Blvd., Boise, Idaho 83702. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The telephone number is (208) 384-3710.
If you are renewing a license, you need to visit us in person and submit the application before your current license expires. Some types of business licenses require a background check. These licenses often take a longer period of time to process, so your application should be submitted 45-60 days in advance. Some licenses can be granted on a provisional status if the applicant can prove they have been a resident of Idaho for the last five years prior to application.
What are the fees?
The fees for licensing vary depending upon the license type and any additional requirements, such as background checks, FBI Fingerprints, processing fees, etc. The City Clerk License Fee Schedule lists the most current fees. City Clerk Fee Schedule.
Registration of a Business Name
All persons or partners doing business in Idaho under an assumed business name must register with the Secretary of State's office. Click here for more information - Certificate of Assumed Business Name
State Business License/Occupational Licensing
Under certain circumstances, a special state business license may be required for your business. Usually only professionals need a state business license, i.e. CPA's, Doctors, Contractors, etc. Click on the following link for more specific information - State Licensing
Federal Employers Tax I.D. Number
Every person without a previous tax number who pays wages to one or more employees or is required to file any federal reports must apply for a tax number on Form SS-4 with the IRS. Click on the following link for more specific information - Forms and Instruction (1-800-829-1040)
State of Idaho Tax Commission
Every person or business selling product in Idaho should check with the state tax commission concerning their obligation to collect sales tax and if so, to get a state sales tax ID number. Click on the following links for more specific information - State Tax Commission (1-800-972-7660)